Chicken Zucchini Meatballs: A Deliciously Healthy Meal

Name: Chicken Zucchini Meatballs: A Deliciously Healthy Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Ground chicken – 1 lb; Zucchini, grated – 1 medium; Panko breadcrumbs – ½ cup; Feta cheese, crumbled – ½ cup; Yellow onion, minced – ⅓ cup; Fresh dill, finely chopped – 2 tbsp; Jalapeño, minced – 2 tbsp; Lemon zest – 1 tsp; Kosher salt – ¾ tsp; Garlic powder – ¾ tsp; Black pepper – ½ tsp; Olive oil – As needed (for cooking); English cucumber, diced – 1; Avocado, cut into chunks – 1 large; Fresh herbs (basil, dill, or mint) – 2 tbsp; Lemon juice – 1–2 tbsp; Olive oil – 2 tbsp; Kosher salt – To taste; Black pepper – To taste; Cooked white rice – As needed; Tzatziki sauce – As needed; Fresh dill – Optional (for garnish); Olive oil – Optional (for drizzling)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 22 January 2025

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrition, Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are the perfect choice. These tender, juicy meatballs bring together lean protein, fresh zucchini, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like feta cheese and fresh herbs. Served with a vibrant cucumber-avocado salad and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a small gathering, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

These meatballs are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your rotation:

Healthy and Nutritious: Made with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
Bursting with Flavor: Lemon zest, feta cheese, and fresh dill give the meatballs a Mediterranean flair.
Versatile: Serve them over rice, with a salad, or as a fun appetizer.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the combination of tender meatballs and creamy tzatziki.

Ingredients for Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to make this dish, divided into three components:

For the Meatballs

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground chicken	1 lb
Zucchini (grated)	1 medium
Panko breadcrumbs	½ cup
Feta cheese (crumbled)	½ cup
Yellow onion (minced)	⅓ cup
Fresh dill (finely chopped)	2 tbsp
Jalapeño (minced)	2 tbsp
Lemon zest	1 tsp
Kosher salt	¾ tsp
Garlic powder	¾ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp
Olive oil (for cooking)	As needed

For the Cucumber-Avocado Salad

Ingredient	Quantity
English cucumber (diced)	1
Avocado (cut into chunks)	1 large
Fresh herbs (basil, dill, or mint)	2 tbsp
Lemon juice	1–2 tbsp
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Kosher salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

For Serving

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked white rice	As needed
Tzatziki sauce	As needed
Fresh dill (optional)	For garnish
Olive oil (optional)	For drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, feta cheese, minced onion, fresh dill, minced jalapeño, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Form the mixture into 24 mini meatballs using about 1 tablespoon of mixture per meatball.

2. Cook the Meatballs

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
Cook the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Brown each side for 6–8 minutes, rotating to cook evenly. The meatballs should be golden brown and cooked through.

3. Make the Cucumber-Avocado Salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber and avocado.
Add the fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

4. Assemble the Dish

Place a scoop of cooked rice on each plate.
Top the rice with the cooked meatballs.
Add a generous serving of the cucumber-avocado salad on the side.
Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

Grate and Squeeze the Zucchini: After grating the zucchini, press out excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
Keep the Meatballs Uniform: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to ensure even sizes for consistent cooking.
Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the jalapeño. For more heat, leave the seeds in.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, lemon zest, and good-quality feta elevate the flavor.

Why Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are a Great Choice

These meatballs are a perfect balance of health and flavor. The zucchini adds moisture and sneaks in extra veggies, while the feta and lemon zest provide a tangy brightness. Pairing them with a refreshing cucumber-avocado salad completes the meal, making it both nourishing and satisfying.

Creative Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko.
Add More Veggies: Mix in finely grated carrots or chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
Change the Protein: Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for more heat.

FAQs About Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes! Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the cooked meatballs and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

4. What can I use instead of feta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella.

5. How do I reheat the meatballs?

Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

6. Can I make the salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the salad fresh, but you can chop the cucumber and herbs in advance. Add the avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil just before serving to prevent browning.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	4 g

Why You Should Make Chicken Zucchini Meatballs Tonight

This dish is an ideal combination of taste, nutrition, and versatility. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. The tender meatballs, refreshing salad, and creamy tzatziki come together to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Get Cooking!

Now that you’ve got the recipe and tips, it’s time to make your own Chicken Zucchini Meatballs. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating this flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal is sure to be a hit.

Happy cooking! 🌿